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What is Cosamin DS?

Cosamin DS is a dietary supplement that contains a combination of >glucosamine, chondroitin, and manganese. Glucosamine and chondroitin are compounds similar to those found in the joints of healthy people. Some people believe that they may work together to reduce the pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis. Some people also believe that the mineral manganese helps the body use glucosamine more effectively.

Glucosamine provides the raw material needed by the body to manufacture cartilage. Joints need cartilage to function properly. Studies have shown that glucosamine relieves the pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis as well as the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) >ibuprofen (brand names Motrin, Advil) and >piroxicam (Feldene). A typical dose of glucosamine is 500 mg three times a day, although this may vary.

The body uses chondroitin to make tissues in the body including cartilage, bone, and tendons. Chondroitin provides structure and allows other molecules to move through the cartilage. This is important, because cartilage doesn't have a blood supply. Two studies in people with osteoarthritis have shown that chondroitin reduces joint pain and improves range of motion as well as diclofenac (Voltaren), a prescription NSAID. A typical dose of chondroitin is 400 mg three times a day, although this can vary.

Two recent studies with Cosamin DS showed that it relieved pain and stiffness of the knee in 48 to 52 percent of people when treated for four to six months. The two-year study, GAIT, determined that the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin was more effective than placebo at relieving moderate-severe knee pain in osteoarthritis patients, but no more effective in those with mild pain. Although this information looks promising, more research needs to confirm the long-term safety and effectiveness of this supplement.

Sources:
Davis, W.M. "The Role of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate in the Management of Arthritis," Drug Topics Supplement(1998).
Philippi, A. "Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and Manganese Ascorbate for Degenerative Joint Disease of the Knee or Low Back: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study," Military Medicine 164 (1999).
Cosamin DS product information, Nutramax Laboratories, 1998.
Das, A. "Efficacy of a Combination of FCHG49 Glucosamine Hydrochloride, TRH122 Low Molecular Weight Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate and Manganese Ascorbate in the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis," Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 8 (2000).
Arthritis Today, "Good News for Knees." http://www.arthritis.org. Arthritis Foundation. Last accessed 1/18/2007.

This answer prepared 10/31/2000.
This information updated 1/18/2007.